Object Record
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Metadata
Title |
Polish Falcons of America Diploma |
Description |
Framed diploma (in Polish) issued for Edward Bloniarz by the Polish Falcons of America. The text is enclosed in a frame that consists of various coats of arms as well as Polish and American eagles. The diploma states: "Polish Falcons of America District II with Headquarters in Chicago, ILL Diploma It is certified that Brother Bloniarz Edward, a member of the nest No. 2 in Chicago, attended the two-month evening falcon course from February 1 to March 31 in Chicago, Illinois." The Diploma is signed by instructors and the district president. The Polish Falcons of America (PFA) was built on the model of the Sokolstwo Polskie [Polish Falcons]. Its ideology is derived from the Polish Gymnastic Society Sokol, which was first established in the Lesser Poland region following the January Uprising. The first gymnastic society in America under the name Polish Falcons was founded in Chicago, 1887. The PFA quickly expanded, with members organizing into local nests and regional districts across the United States. Its objectives were to encourage spiritual and physical fitness in Polonia, to maintain the Polish language, and to offer insurance to members through a fund raised by the members. These aims were realized through cooperating with the Falcons in Poland, promoting physical education and the principles of its culture and methods, publishing periodicals and other printed materials, supporting the districts and nests, extending the network throughout the United States and Canada, organizing Polish youth to encourage the use of the Polish language, and raising an insurance fund. During both World Wars, PFA members also served in the US Army. ,It is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, and is divided into districts and nests, led by a national board of directors. The PFA holds national conventions quadrennially. Its banner and seal depict the Falcon symbol. Its official organ is the "Sokol Polski." |
Date |
1928/04 |
Year Range from |
1928 |
Year Range to |
1928 |
Collection |
Polish Falcons |
Catalog Number |
2022.065.001 |